What is the meaning of Numbers 35:15? These six cities “Designate six cities to be your cities of refuge” (Numbers 35:6). •God Himself selected the number and the locations (Numbers 35:13; Joshua 20:7–8). •Three lay west of the Jordan—Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron; three east—Bezer, Ramoth, Golan. •They were spaced for easy reach, with roads kept clear (Deuteronomy 19:3). Cross references: Numbers 35:6; Joshua 20:1-2; Deuteronomy 19:1-3. will serve as a refuge “A refuge” pictures a place of safety where justice can proceed without vengeance. •Refuge was not a loophole but a God-ordained shelter until due process (Numbers 35:12). •This foreshadows the Lord Himself, “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). •It also anticipates Christ, to whom “we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement” (Hebrews 6:18). Cross references: Numbers 35:11-12; Psalm 9:9; Hebrews 6:18. for the Israelites The provision first protected the covenant community. •Life is sacred; unlawful bloodshed defiles the land (Numbers 35:33-34). •Justice required distinction between murder and manslaughter (Exodus 21:12-14). •The cities upheld both mercy and law within Israelite society. Cross references: Leviticus 24:17; Deuteronomy 17:8-9; Exodus 21:12-14. and for the foreigner or stranger among them God’s justice is impartial. •“Love the foreigner, for you were foreigners” (Deuteronomy 10:19). •One law protected native and sojourner alike (Leviticus 24:22). •The open invitation modeled the gospel’s future reach to all nations (Ephesians 2:19). Cross references: Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 31:12; Numbers 15:15-16. so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally Accidental death required careful examination. •Examples: an axe head flying off its handle (Deuteronomy 19:4-5). •Intent distinguished by absence of premeditation or hatred (Numbers 35:22-23). •Protection did not extend to deliberate murder (Numbers 35:16-21). Cross references: Deuteronomy 19:4-6; Joshua 20:3-5; 1 Kings 2:5-6. may flee there The fugitive had to act promptly. •Running to the city signaled submission to God’s procedure, not avoidance of justice (Numbers 35:25). •Within its walls the accused awaited trial before the congregation (Numbers 35:24). •Release came after the high priest’s death, hinting at substitutionary atonement (Numbers 35:28; Hebrews 7:26-27). Cross references: Joshua 20:6; Numbers 35:25-28; Hebrews 7:26-27. summary Numbers 35:15 reveals a gracious, orderly system safeguarding life while upholding justice. God appointed six accessible cities where anyone—Israelite or foreigner—who caused unintentional death could flee, receive fair hearing, and be shielded from revenge. The statute highlights the Creator’s concern for due process, the equality of all people before His law, and His provision of refuge that ultimately points to Christ, our perfect and eternal sanctuary. |
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